Immortality: Vinyl Scratch's Challenge

"This is bad," Vinyl whispered as she walked down the corridors of Canterlot Palace, sandwhiched between Pinkie Pie and Lyra.

"I know," Lyra replied miserably. "I don't think there's any hope for us."

"Hush," snapped one of the guards who was escorting them. He walked just in front of them. Another guard walked behind the trio.

"Maybe if she sees me, she'll be nice again!" Pinkie suggested in a hopeful whisper. "We can help Twilight!" Vinyl gave a small smile to Pinkie. In truth, she doubted that would be the case. Still, she wanted to encourage her friend.

As they reached the end of the corridor, one of the guards cleared his throat.

"You will now enter into the presence of the Unicorn Princess Twilight Sparkle," he announced.

Even 700 years acts my time, the princess stuff is still pretty intense, Vinyl thought as the doors were opened. She stood stock still as Twilight came into her vision.

Twilight was practically the same as ever. Her height had not changed, nor had her colors. Her straight indigo mane had grown longer, though. She wore golden sandals on her hoods, and a golden crown on her head.

She heard a sniffle from Pinkie. Twilight's face contorted in confusion.

"Pinkie Pie?" She asked, leaning forward on her throne. "Pinkamena Diane Pie?"

"That's me," Pinkie confirmed. Twilight shook her head.

"No... that can't be right. Pinkie Pie disappeared over a hundred years ago."

"Looking for us," Lyra interjected. "Don't you remember, Twilight? Pinkie Pie thought we were immortal." Twilight glared at her.

"Who are you?" She asked.

"Lyra Heartstrings," Lyra replied. "Don't you remember me from your days in Ponyville?" Twilight shook her head.

"And Vinyl Scratch," she said, turning to Vinyl, "I faintly remember reading about your death in the paper." Vinyl shuffled her hooves.

She mumbled, "I was a famous musician. I had to fake my death."

After that, the room was silent for a moment. Vinyl suddenly felt uncomfortable.

"How are you immortal?" Twilight asked. "How is it possible?" Vinyl heard her coldness edging away, and curiosity taking its place.

"We don't know," Lyra replied. "I'm about 1,100 years old, actually."

"I'm 700 years old," Vinyl added. Twilight turned to Pinkie.

"What about you?" She asked, the coldness creeping in once more. "Are you older than, say, [iCelestia?" Pinkie shook her head.

"I'm only a hundred," she admitted. "I'm just as old as you." Twilight smiled a tight smile.

"Why didn't you return, Pinkie?" She asked. "You could have told us about it. We could have helped you."

"I... I didn't want to watch you all die. I returned once, for Fluttershy's funeral." Pinkie sniffed. "I met Buttercream and Pumpkin Cake. They were older. It was weird. And sad." Twilight tossed her head.

"Buttercream was depressed for weeks, you know that?" She asked. "You left her and Lucky Clover. That type of inconsideration is not what I'd expect from Pinkie Pie." Pinkie hung her head but said nothing.

"Wait a minute, are you immortal?" Vinyl cut in. "I mean, you look young, and what about Cadence? Are you two immortal?" Twilight smirked.

"Don't interrupt like that," she snapped. "You're still my subject, and you must respect me. And no, I am not immortal. Neither Cadence nor I is. I'm a princess; princesses have longer lifespans, but not everlasting. Which makes you three so interesting. I need to run some tests." She ignited her horn, and the floor beneath them began to lower.

"What's going on?" Vinyl asked.

"Nothing," Twilight replied calmly. "We're just descending to my laboratory." Vinyl noticed a smile creeping up on Pinkie's face.

"You still have your favorite pastimes, even as a princess?" She asked.

"No," Twilight replied. "I hardly ever use it, and when I do it's for Government purposes."

"Oh." Pinkie's voice sounded deflated.

Vinyl watched as the laboratory came into view. It was filled with test tubes and science stuff that Vinyl had never really paid attention to. She saw bags full of liquids hooked up to machines. Some things looked like they belonged in a hospital. Vinyl noticed one machine that looked like it monitored heart rate.

"Woah!" Vinyl lurched forward as the platform came to a halt. Twilight wasn't affected by the sudden lack of movement.

"Come on," she said calmly. "This way."